Hunger Games sticks with director Lawrence for sequels

Lawrence is famous for his intense action-packed, science-fiction films. PHOTO: FILE

LOS ANGELES:

“Francis Lawrence [director] has signed on to direct the final two installments of the hit movie, The Hunger Games,” an official from the movie studio, Lionsgate announced on Thursday.

The statement clarified months of rumours regarding Lionsgate hiring a different director to helm the The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — the final part of the trilogy which will be split into two separate films.

Lawrence is currently filming the second film in the franchise, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, slated to hit theatres November 2013. Mockingjay – Part 1 is scheduled for a November 2014 release with Mockingjay –Part 2 coming a year later.

The films are adapted from the best-selling young-adult novels from author Suzanne Collins. The trilogy, set in a dystopian future, tells the story of a life-or-death game through the eyes of heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence). The final installments follow Everdeen leading her native Panem in a rebellion against the corrupt capitol in a post-apocalyptic North America.

Gary Ross directed the first film of the trilogy, which was released in March this year, and has since grossed some $670 million worldwide. “Actors Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth have signed on for the final two films,” the studio’s official added.

The Australian-American director Lawrence is known for his action and science-fiction thrillers including I am Legend, Constantine and the NBC miniseries Kings.